Ariocarpus germinating

Subject: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 7:56 am

Looking at growing some Ariocarpus from seed, just wondering if you people would like to share some advice on growing theses little guys...

Very Happy

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 8:20 am

I have had a little experience but to be honest I was not that successful, by that I mean the amount that germinated. But that could have been the seed as it was from overseas and no guarantee it was fresh.

I used the baggie method and had germination with in a week. I did not use bottom heat as I did them in summer.
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Betty

http://community.webshots.com/user/parrotsheaven

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 8:24 am

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 8:31 am

Percentage would have been around 50% for some and as low as 25% for others. Another lot were 75%. As I said it could have been my fault as I do have better percentage rate with other seeds now Rolling Eyes

Anyone can import seeds. You just have to make sure that the seller puts the name on the seeds and that it is on the allowable import list.

You can check out here to which are allowable. I am always doing this as I import small lots of seeds regularly.

http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex_querycontent.asp
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Betty

http://community.webshots.com/user/parrotsheaven

Moderator Joined : 06 Apr 2008 Posts : 354 Location : oz

San,
to add to Bettys comments - the ariocarpus seed likes a lot of humidity and the seedlings should be left in high humidity longer than an astrophytum. When you take them out of their baggie and expose them to air, remember to continue to give them more humidity for a while and keep thenm a bit wetter (not drenching).
They will enjoy that more than being left dry.

I have a lot of success with arios using the baggie method, and leave them in the bag for a while longer than other cactus seeds.

A lot of the specialised ariocarpus seed requires a CITES certificate if you are going to import from USA as many of them are from mexico. (US$12 for them to prepare one for you), but then a small amount of seed from a private seller that is collecting seed from their home plants is another story - easier.

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 1:02 pm

I will add more on this later but in relation to humidity, as calycium said humidity is a key factor when growing ario from seed. 8+ months of humidity is required depending on sp.

I encourage you to take up the challenge of growing ario from seed. It is not as hard as people make out ! That said it will test your patience Very Happy

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 1:30 pm

Bloody slow I tells ya!
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mmm spikey...

Moderator Joined : 06 Apr 2008 Posts : 354 Location : oz

Oops. Calycium sneaks back outside and replaces his 7 month old arios back into bags bounce

Yeah I'm keen to hear what you have to say HM. I don't know anywhere near enough on these beauties and I have quite a few seedlings, but a LOT of different species I want to germinate waiting to go in the spring. 4 months to go...

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 7:12 pm

Moderator Joined : 06 Apr 2008 Posts : 354 Location : oz

Cool,
thanks for that Trig - I pulled mine out of humidity just before the cooling weather - wont rebag them - just don't want to lose them.

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 7:42 pm

Just keep a close eye on them and they should be alright.
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mmm spikey...

Moderator Joined : 06 Apr 2008 Posts : 354 Location : oz

Again - this gets back to my misting topic on the other thread. Do I spray them, as 7 month olds, keep up the moisture, let them dry out. Obviously there's a balance. Arios like more humidity.

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 7:52 pm

Don't let them dry out, don't saturate them, I know, I know it's tantamount to a contradiction but this seems to be the only way.

Probably best to heat them until mature enough to reduce watering. For me this is not an option so I just mist them with extreme care when they start looking dry. I also pray to the cacti God to deliver my little baby cacti through the cold of winter.

Wonder what temps and precipitation Mexico gets in winter? Maybe I should google it...but hey I am too busy running this forum, what's your excuse Laughing

Just joking, I will check it out, unless someone else beats me to it. I am assuming this would be an good indication as to what cacti seedlings (Mexican) will tolerate.
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mmm spikey...

Moderator Joined : 06 Apr 2008 Posts : 354 Location : oz

The plants
do not need high temperatures during the winter dormancy period, a
minimum of 4C is more than adequate provided they are kept totally
dry.

Latin name:	Ariocarpus trigonus
Common name:	Living Rock Cactus, Seven Stars Cactus
Family:	Cactaceae
Group:	Cacti
Origin:	Mexico (Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas)
Climate:	subtropical
Minimal winter temperature:	5 °C, 41 F
Ideal temperature:	8 °C, 46,4 F
Light:	bright-sunny
Soil:	humus-loam-sandy
Flower colour:	white to light-rosy

Subject: Re: Ariocarpus germinating Sat May 17, 2008 8:02 pm

It must be remembered this is guide fore mature plants.
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mmm spikey...